575 military personnel promoted for Victory Day

Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic

Photograph: HINA / Denis CERIĆ / POOL / mm

President and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic has promoted 575 military personnel -- 465 servicemen and 110 servicewomen -- on the occasion of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and War Veterans Day, observed on August 5.

Eight personnel have been awarded medals for their outstanding contribution to the development of the Armed Forces and seven have been commended for honourable and exemplary service, according to a statement issued by the President's Office on Thursday.

Beirut (dpa) - Syrian government forces and their allies advanced deeper into the shrinking rebel-held enclave in eastern Aleppo on Wednesday, seizing the Old City, while demanding the armed opposition groups leave the area.